We are here to settle the score for good and put an end to the age-old question: can you drink red wine with fish?
If you're a fan of both wine and seafood, you've almost certainly been told that you simply cannot pair a bottle of red with fish. Many even go so far as to claim that it is the ‘golden rule’.
However, as with most things, this principle might not be quite as black and white as it first seems. We are here to settle the score for good and put an end to the age-old question: can you drink red wine with fish?
Why Do They Say Not To Drink Red Wine with Seafood?
Generally speaking, a glass of white is the right way to go when eating fish. However, this rule does not hold true for every and all occasions. When it comes to pairing your meal, the key thing to consider is the balance between the flavor intensities.
The taste of the wine should never completely overwhelm and overshadow the food. Equally, the meal should never overpower the taste of your drink. As reds tend to be deeper and more richly flavored, many write off the possibility of pairing it with fish.
Hence, the old saying: "White wine with fish and red wine with meat."
Should You Drink Red Wine with Fish or White Wine With Meat?
A full-bodied red can often completely blow your taste buds away, making the delicate flavors of the fish almost undetectable in the distance. Yet, not all fish is light nor is every red rich and full-bodied. Texture also has a part to play in the reasoning behind this rule.
Red meat tends to have a high-fat content. The tannins in red wine can soften this and clean it off your tongue. This is a satisfying process that refreshes your palette. Unfortunately, whites are not usually able to do this. So, reds often make a wonderful drink to have alongside meat.
So, Can You Pair Red Wine With Fish?
Now you have an understanding of the reasoning behind why many think you can’t have seafood with red wine, you can work out when you can throw this rule out the door! A heartier fish cooked in the oven such as a roasted salmon can work exquisitely with a red.
This is thanks to the hearty texture. In contrast, a salmon lightly poached in oil would work better with a white. So, to work out the best red wine with fish, match the body with the texture of the seafood and the richness of the sauce.
While Merlot and Cabernet have already become household names, those from St. Emilion are famed for their unique and distinctive notes. The local Merlot has a rich, soft texture and notes of plum, blackberry and chocolate. The cabernet, on the other hand, bursts onto the tongue with distinctive strawberry and cherry flavors that work perfectly with the vanilla notes.
Best Tasting Red Wine to Pair with Fish
Burgundy Pinot Noir or a Grenache. For deeply-flavored, heavier dishes such as grilled swordfish and tuna, this is when you can draft in the more robust reds.
The best red wine to have with seafood that has a meaty texture would be a Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon or Nebbiolo.
Summary
As you can see, pairing red wine with fish involves a touch of thought and consideration. The best way to get to grips with the subtleties of grape juice is to take avirtual tasting. An expert sommelier will guide you through how to appreciate the complexities behind each variety.
Alternatively, you can jet off to an iconic wine destination and sample some of the world’s finest grape juice varieties in their birthplace.
Become an expert on all things wine with avirtual tasting. Alternatively, why not visit an iconic wine destination for yourself?Enjoy sampling delicious varieties in stunning surroundings, as an expert sommelier will guide you through each layer of flavor and its heritage.
FAQs
Best Tasting Red Wine to Pair with Fish
Can you drink red wine with seafood? ›
Merlots tend to be fruity and fresh and on the lighter end when it comes to red wine, which is why it is the most likely red pairing when it comes to seafood. Merlot tends to be dryer and medium bodied, but it can pair well with fattier fish, like bluefish or tuna.
Is red wine good with fish or meat? ›
Meat dishes are typically rich and bold in flavor, so they pair well with red wines. A hearty meat dish would overpower the flavor of a white wine. The opposite is true with lighter fare. A bold red wine would over power the flavor of a delicate fish dish, so whites are preferred.
Can I drink wine after eating fish? ›
The rule of thumb has been red wine with meat, white wine with fish. But the rule is not hard and fast. Seafood can taste fine with some reds, whereas some whites can ruin the meal.
Why doesn't red wine go with fish? ›
The research also seems to answer why some red wines can actually compliment seafood and fish, while others make you run for the motion sickness bag. The researchers identified an “iron threshold” of 2 miligrams per liter. Any red wine containing more than this amount spoils the seafood pairing.
What wine goes with seafood or fish? ›
The Best Wine and Seafood Pairings
- Chardonnay and Crab. Crab has a light, delicate flavor that is often overpowered by wines with bolder flavors. ...
- Sauvignon Blanc and Shrimp. ...
- Pinot Noir and Salmon. ...
- Malbec and Lobster. ...
- Riesling and Scallops. ...
- Pinot Gris and Oysters. ...
- Chenin Blanc and Mussels. ...
- Pinot Grigio and Clams.
Red Wine Crab Pairings
Tannins blend in well with fatty red meat, but this is not the case with seafood. However, seafood lovers can still enjoy red wine with crab, and the trick lies in choosing light varieties. Try Sangiovese or Pinot Noir, for they will complement the flavor of the crab.
Should I drink white or red wine with fish? ›
Tradition dictates that you should always match white wine with fish, but in some cases red wine can make an ideal pairing – as can rosé. It all depends on the type of fish you're eating and how it's prepared. Both texture and flavour are key here.
Do Italians drink red wine with fish? ›
Although most people will say that only white wines should be paired with fish or shellfish, anything goes today, and Italian red wine varietals can be an excellent accompaniment for seafood. Chianti: Situated in the region of Tuscany in central Italy, Chianti is probably the best-known of all Italian wine districts.
What red wine goes with fish food? ›
The richness of fish like salmon make it great for red wine-lovers and the best matches are light to medium-weight and savoury reds like Grenache, GSM Blends, Nero d'Avola, Barbera, Pinot Noir and Merlot. For those who don't enjoy reds, Rosé is another delicious choice.
Never drink red wine with fish! 10 famous food rules you can absolutely ignore | Food | The Guardian.
What not to eat when drinking wine? ›
For me, things like Brussels sprouts, raw garlic or onions and cauliflower tend to repeat on me, and that aftertaste can be very distracting. I also avoid the foods that are known to fight with wine: asparagus, artichokes, oily fishes (no tuna fish sandwiches!), vinegar and pickled items.
What not to drink after eating seafood? ›
Avoid drinking tea when eating seafood. Drinking tea while eating seafood, as well as afterward, can have negative health consequences. When combined with tea, the tannins in tea can reduce iron absorption from seafood, resulting in iron deficiency in the body.
Is it bad to drink red wine with seafood? ›
Best Tasting Red Wine to Pair with Fish
Burgundy Pinot Noir or a Grenache. For deeply-flavored, heavier dishes such as grilled swordfish and tuna, this is when you can draft in the more robust reds. The best red wine to have with seafood that has a meaty texture would be a Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon or Nebbiolo.
Can you drink red wine with shrimp? ›
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine with notes of cherry and raspberry. It pairs nicely with shrimp scampi's richness. Pinot Noir is an excellent choice of wine to pair with shrimp scampi. The sweet, soft, and fruity flavors of the wine complement the savory flavors in the shrimp scampi.
Can you drink red wine with salmon? ›
Pinot Noir is the go-to red wine for salmon. With blackened salmon, you can try a red wine with a little more body to compliment the dish's spiciness. The dark fruit flavors of Merlot also balance out the spice of the dish. Whether you choose a Pinot Noir or Merlot depends on how spicy you order your salmon.
Can you eat shrimp with red wine? ›
Suggested Pairing
A smooth, medium-bodied red wine from southern Italy, such as a Cirò or Regaleali Rosso, will stand up to the gutsy sauce without overpowering the shrimp.
What seafood dishes pair with red wine? ›
Food that Goes With Red Wine: Seafood Delights
- The salinity of oysters is a perfect match for the tannins in red wine, creating an extraordinary pairing experience. ...
- Cioppino: An Italian Seafood Symphony.
- Lobster Roll: A Decadent Seafood Treat. ...
- Crab Cakes: A Crispy and Savory Delight.
Although lobster is better suited for white wines, red wine is always the preferred choice when enjoying a dish covered in tomato sauce. To match an acidic food like the tomato, the Italian wine Chianti is a delicious and flavorful choice.
What alcohol do you drink with seafood? ›
Key takeaway: Traditionally, seafood pairs well with white wine. There are some dishes that go excellent with beer, usually pale ale. On rare occasions, some fish meals are combined with a co*cktail, a rose, or a red wine.
